You may have already noticed the online poll we are running concerning "Duquette Affair". A Quebec doctor (Duquette) has pled guilty to supplying EPO to athletes, including, it is alleged, an international level female cyclist and her coach. Currently, the CBC, various Quebec newspapers, and CCA and the FQSC are petitioning to have the confidential patient records for the athlete opened to public scrutiny. Do you think these records should be unsealed? Click on the Vote! button at the top of the screen to register your opinion.

The purpose of this inaugural event is to provide a forum for the dissemination of knowledge for the training of Masters athletes. Masters athletics is the fastest growing segment in our sporting population, yet little has been done to spread the word about nuances of training, and training accommodations that should be made to help these athletes perform better. This one-day conference will provide Masters with practical tips on how to train optimally and safely to become their competitive best. Masters will also receive a selection of information on how to prevent and rehabilitate from injury. Sport scientists will present current research in a manner so that it can be interpreted and applied by Masters athletes and the coaches who work with them. Sessions will be followed by interactive question and answer periods to stimulate discussion of important issues.

On-site Registration Information:Cost: $30.00 includes buffet lunch.Symposium attendees can register at the welcome desk between 8:45 and 9:45 am on the day. Cash only. Receipts will be issued.

Parking: Pay parking will be available on-site at reduced weekend rates.

On-site directions: Enter the McMaster campus via the Sterling Street entrance. Once you pass the parking kiosk turn right into the parking lot (not down the side street). Once you have turned into the parking lot, the McMaster Student Centre will be on your immediate left. Find a parking spot and enter the Student Centre. Take an elevator to the third floor and find room 311. The registration desk will be set up in front of room 311.

There will be organized easy runs in the trails behind McMaster during the break before lunch. Shower facilities, daylockers, and towel service will be available at Ivor Wynne Centre. Those interested in running should bring appropriate gear and their own locks.

There will also be organized tours of the McMaster Kinesiology facilities during the break before lunch. The tour will allow delegates to see the recreational and rehabilitation facilities we offer seniors at McMaster as well as the equipment involved in our cutting-edge research.

2:45 - 3:30 - The nature of soft tissue injuries in older athletes: How to prevent them and how to recover from them? Barry Bartlett (McMaster University)Location: Room 311 Student Centre

For inquiries or more information, please contact Bradley Young, MASST Symposium Director by email at: youngb2@mcmaster.ca or by telephone at 905-525-9140 ext. 24625.

Okinawa Update

Cory Jay sent us a quick note to report that he and Chris Issac did finish the Tour of Okinawa (official results show them both as DNF):

I just wanted to send you guys a quick note to say that myself (in 47th) and Chris Isaac (in 36th) did finish in Okinawa, we were both involved in a 60 rider crash with 80kms to go, but continued on and finished. The results show only 34 finishers, the reason for this I don't know. But they have our places just not a time. Just wanted to let you know we didn't throw in the towel during a 200km race that downpoured the entire way.

The final race of the 2003 Kona Supah Kup-A-Soup Supah Cross Series will take place this Sunday November 16, 2003 in Halifax at Seaview Look-off Park. (end of Novalea Drive).

Categories include: Open Men, Open Women, and U16 (Need to be 15 yrs old or younger) The series final will be the deciding factor for the overall winner as any of the top 5 riders have a shot at the title. More info: www.cyclesmith.ca

For the Love of 2 Wheels Movie NightCourtesy Cyclesmith Dartmouth

Come help us support Brent "The General" Paton.

Place: Club Pacifico, Halifax (902)422-3633Date : November 15, 2003Time : 5:00 p.m. til we're done. Under 19 must leave at 9pm.Cost : $5. All profits will go to help Brent fund his wheelchair.Movies : NWD4, NSX7, Return of the Zeros.Presented by : ecmtb.com and Cyclesmith with support from Hub Cycle and Ramsay's Online

"People always said a second can change your life, but until June 17 of this year, I don't think many of us realized how true that actually is."

Brent Paton, known as The General to many of you, was in Ottawa when his life-changing second hit. Thor Wixom was in town to film some of Jib2 and everyone was out to watch, ride and have a good time. Brent was out doing his thing when disaster struck. He caught his back wheel on a ledge while trying to gap some stairs. This catapulted him with neck snapping force. He suffered severe spinal damage at the C5 level. At first, he was completely paralysed. It's been four months since his accident, and he has spent it all in a wheelchair. "

BALFA Cycles announces the signing of Canadian ace downhiller Mathieu Laurin for 2004. Mathieu is back on BALFA's race program for the third year with which he has won numerous races and the overall title of the Canada cup series in 2002 and 2003.

Mathieu explains the reasons behind his choice: " I get a lot of support from the BALFA team and that makes a big difference at that level. I love the bb7, a very fast bike that I can trust to win. I wanted to be back with the BALFA team because we have a strong relationship, we have common objectives and we understand each other very well."

Mathieu has already represented Canada three times at the world championships, but he is not the veteran many people think he is. At only 21 years old, Mathieu will celebrate his 10 years of bicycle racing in 2004. Despite his young age, Mat is ranked top Canadian and second North-American on the UCI DH standings, in 39th place.

"Mathieu is a very fast pilot who has progressed a lot since he turned pro. He is known and respected by all on the international events and brings BALFA a lot of exposure and insight on product development. We are exactly where we wanted to be with the race program and with Mat coming back, I'm sure we will reach our objectives for 04 as well. We are very happy that he is back with us." Concludes Emmanuel Moisan, team manager.

Colavita-Bolla Pro Cycling Team Signs Tim Johnson

Linden, NJ, 13 November 2003 - The Colavita-Bolla Professional Cycling Team announced today that recent Vic Roads Herald Sun Tour winner Tim Johnson will join the team for 2004. With the addition of Johnson, Colavita-Bolla has completed its roster for the coming season.

New England native Johnson has built a reputation as one of the most talented young professionals in North American cycling. In 1999, Johnson stunned the world cycling community with his breakthrough bronze medal performance at the under-23 World Cyclocross Championships. The talented veteran of Team Saturn has earned honors in a wide range of cycling disciplines, including not only the recent UCI-sanctioned Sun Tour, but also the grueling 260km Classique Montréal-Québec, the Mount Washington Hill Climb, and multiple national championships and world championships appearances.

"I feel really great to be joining a team like Colavita-Bolla," notes Johnson. "I learned a lot at Saturn, and now I can help this rising team with my knowledge." Johnson adds, "I really want to thank everyone who has supported me in my career. The list is too long to mention, but certainly my sponsors, family, friends, teammates and managers."

John A. Profaci, owner of the Colavita Pasta and Olive Oil company, also announced the final 2004 team roster. Returning riders include Argentineans Sebastian Alexandre, Gustavo Artacho, and Juan Jose Haedo, and American Tyler Wren. American neo-professional Thad Dulin is being promoted from the ranks of the 2003 Colavita-Bolla elite amateur team. Todd Herriott joins the team after his professional debut with Health Net. Rounding out the new-look squad are previously announced Team Saturn veterans Mark McCormack, the reigning U.S. Pro Champion, and Ivan Dominguez, along with Johnson.